Brits hit by ‘lightning bum’ as expert lists 6 causes and when to go to hospital

Docs have sounded the alarm on a bizarre pain Brits are being hit with in their backside. Dubbed ‘lighting bum’ Brits have been urged to seek medical advice if they experience these symptoms

Brits have been warned against a concerning health issue which hits unlucky patients in the backside, nicknamed “lighting bum” by doctors.

While the pain is fleeting doctors have sounded the alarm on the sudden cramps which could be an indication of a number of much worse conditions. Dubbed proctalgia fugax, the condition hits unlucky patients when muscles in their anus are weak and damaged, or when the nerve near the muscles in your backside becomes trapped.

Dr Nikki Ramskill, founder of The Female Health Doctor Clinic, told the Sun: “It’s a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain in the anus or rectum that comes out of nowhere and then disappears just as quickly. People often describe it as an intense spasm or cramp, almost like a bolt of electricity or a severe muscle cramp in the pelvic floor.

“The pain can last from a few seconds to several minutes and can be severe enough to stop you in your tracks.” Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U has revealed when these painful symptoms are likely to strike an unsuspecting patient.

The Chemist4U pharmacist said the pain in your bottom is more likely to hit you “at night or when you are relaxed.” The health expert added: “This is due to a lack of activity and movement, as well as a natural drop in magnesium levels at night, leading to increased cramping.”

Doc Ramskill has explained the cause of lightning bum isn’t always clear. The health expert explained: “It can happen completely randomly, even during sleep , and without any obvious trigger.”

Surprisingly the health condition can be related to numerous other health ailments such as difficult periods, abdominal bloating and sexual intercourse. The GP added: “The most likely explanation is a sudden spasm of the muscles in the anal sphincter or pelvic floor.”

The fleeting pain could be triggered numerous issues including:

• Stress or anxiety
• Constipation or straining
• Bowel movements
• Menstruation
• Sexual activity
• Sitting for long periods

Health boffin Ian Budd has pulled back the lid on the health issue and explained what actually happens in the body resulting in people experiencing the shooting pain.

The boffin explained muscle spasms in your anal region most likely happens “when your muscles are weak or damaged, or when the nerve near the muscles in your anal canal is trapped.” Ian added: “The pain associated with ‘lightning bum’ often goes as quick as it comes, making pain relief and treatment quite challenging.

“The pain is often so short lived that pain relief is unlikely to work quickly enough.” If you’re hit with the painful sensation there are a number of things you can do to help ease the sudden discomfort. Taking deep breaths, changing your body position and relaxing your body position can help alleviate the pain caused by the condition.

Eating a fibre rich diet can help curb constipation – one of the triggers of proctalgia fugax. Alongside this managing your stress levels can also reduce and prevent the sudden sensation of pain. Ian also revealed pelvic floor exercises could help prevent the health issue from taking place in future.

The expert added: “Pelvic floor exercises, meanwhile, can help strengthen the affected area and may assist in preventing proctalgia fugax from reoccurring.”

Dr Ramskill has advised people should seek further medical help if:

• The pain lasts longer than 20–30 minutes
• Episodes are very frequent or worsening
• There is bleeding, weight loss, or a change in bowel habits
• There is persistent pain between episodes

The doc said: “These could suggest other conditions such as endometriosis, fissures, haemorrhoids, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease, which need proper assessment.”